Polypeptides capable of forming antigen binding structures with specificity for the Rhesus D antigens, the DNA encoding them and the process for their preparation and use

Abstract

Polypeptides capable of forming antigen binding structures specific for Rhesus D antigens include the sequences indicated in the FIGS. 1 a to 16 b . The obtained polypeptides, being Fab fragments, MAY be used directly as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions. The Fab and their DNA sequences can also be used for the preparation of complete recombinant Anti-Rhesus D antibodies. Useful in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions.

1. A purified polypeptide capable of forming antigen binding structures with specificity for Rhesus D antigens of the partial DVI phenotype comprising
 a V H  region having SEQ ID NO: 58 or SEQ ID NO: 62, and 
 a V L  region. 
 
     
     
       2. The polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide is an antigen binding Fab fragment. 
     
     
       3. The polypeptide of  claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide is an immunoglobulin specific for a Rhesus D antigen. 
     
     
       4. The polypeptide of  claim 3 , wherein the immunoglobulin comprises at least one defined isotype selected from the group consisting of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. 
     
     
       5. A recombinant polynucleotide which encodes the polypeptide of  claim 1 . 
     
     
       6. A composition comprising at least one polypeptide of  claim 1  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
       7. A composition comprising at least one immunoglobulin of  claim 3  and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
       8. A diagnostic composition for Rhesus D typing comprising at least one polypeptide of  claim 1 . 
     
     
       9. A diagnostic composition for Rhesus D typing comprising at least one immunoglobulin of  claim 3 .